Jill and I were doing a little (early) spring cleaning the other day and found the following poem. It was either penned or found by my Aunt Jan, and is really touching as I reflect on our young kids.
Just For This Morning
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face
And laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled
In your sheets and I will hold you
Until you are ready for the day.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear,
And smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry
And pick you and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink
And let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off
And sit in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble
When you scream and whine for the ice cream truck,
And I will buy you one if the truck comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be
When you grow up, or second-guess every decision I have made
Where you are concerned.
Just for the afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies,
And I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for the afternoon, I will take you to McDonald's and buy us both
A Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for the evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you
A story about how you were born, and how much I love you.
Just for the evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for the evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch
And count all the stars.
Just for the evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours,
And miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for the evening, when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray,
I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given,
And when I kiss you goodnight, I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.
It is then I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing.
Except for one more day.
